Los Angeles County well being officers reported the dying of a school-aged resident from a recognized however uncommon complication after a measles an infection acquired throughout infancy, and urged residents to make sure their households are vaccinated in opposition to the illness.
Why it is vital
The Los Angeles County Division of Public Well being stated on Thursday that the kid was first contaminated with measles as an toddler earlier than they had been eligible to obtain the measles vaccine, which is routinely really helpful to be administered between 12 and 15 months of age.
Though the kid recovered from the preliminary measles sickness, they developed and in the end died from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, or SSPE — a uncommon, progressive mind dysfunction that may be a late complication of a measles an infection early in life.
By the numbers
SSPE impacts about one in 10,000 measles instances, however the threat will increase to at least one in 600 for infants contaminated earlier than they grow to be eligible for vaccination, in keeping with LA County well being officers.
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention has reported 1,454 confirmed measles instances nationwide this 12 months, as of September 9.
Context
Measles is a extremely contagious viral an infection that causes signs akin to fever, cough and a attribute rash. It may possibly additionally result in extreme problems like pneumonia and encephalitis.
The US recorded its highest measles case rely since 2000 earlier this 12 months, with Texas and New Mexico driving a January surge as a consequence of declining vaccination charges amongst youngsters.
There have been eight instances of measles in people who had been in Los Angeles County whereas infectious, together with 4 residents and 4 non-residents in 2025.
What’s subsequent?
Well being officers are urging residents to examine immunization information, vaccinate eligible members of the family, and take precautions, notably earlier than touring to areas with measles outbreaks.
